Did you know East Yorkshire hides secrets that could rewrite history? From a servant’s daring plot to assassinate a king to ghostly monks haunting modern housing estates, this region is a treasure trove of untold stories. But here’s where it gets controversial: are these tales mere folklore, or do they reveal deeper truths about our past? Let’s dive in.
Over the past year, the Hidden East Yorkshire podcast has unearthed the region’s most fascinating—and often overlooked—histories. Whether it’s the medieval rivers that once shaped Beverley or the eerie legends of Willy Howe, each episode peels back layers of time. Here, we’ve handpicked five standout episodes from 2025, but you can explore the full collection on the podcast’s homepage here.
Lost Rivers and Public Shame
Beverley, a charming market town, was once crisscrossed by rivers and streams that defined its landscape. But many of these waterways have vanished—buried beneath modern streets. Why were they covered up? Researcher Kloskk Tyrer reveals they became notorious for pollution, turning them into foul-smelling hazards. One, Walker Beck, still flows underground, following its medieval path. And this is the part most people miss: a town pond was once the site of public punishment for women. What crimes warranted such humiliation? The answers are as murky as the waters themselves.
A Servant’s Deadly Fast
Nearly 500 years ago, Mabel Brigge, a humble servant from Holmpton, attempted to assassinate King Henry VIII using a ritual called the “black fast.” She believed this extreme diet of bread and water would grant her magical powers. When her plot was exposed, she was executed. But was Mabel a lone conspirator, or a pawn in a larger rebellion? The podcast explores this shadowy chapter, leaving listeners to wonder: Was she a victim of circumstance, or a true threat to the crown?
Fairy Tales and Ancient Rituals
Willy Howe, a neolithic barrow in the Wold Newton Triangle, is said to be a gateway to fairyland. Legend claims that running around it nine times and pressing your ear to the ground reveals the fairies’ singing and dancing. This area, rich in folklore and paranormal tales, is the third most significant site for ritual monuments in Britain. But why here? And what do landmarks like the Rudston Monolith and Gypsey Race stream tell us about our ancestors’ beliefs? Could these stories hold a grain of truth, or are they purely imaginative?
Henry VIII’s Fortress
When Henry VIII visited Hull in the 1540s, he deemed its defenses inadequate. His solution? A series of castles and fortifications, including the South Blockhouse, armed with cannons and “enormously thick” walls. These ruins, later known as the Citadel, were demolished in the 19th century and now lie beneath a coach park. Is it right to let such historical treasures disappear under modern infrastructure?
Monks in Modern Times
Residents of Hull’s Bransholme estate have long reported sightings of ghostly monks near waterways like the Foredyke Stream. The connection? Just miles away lie the ruins of Meaux Abbey, founded in 1150 and destroyed in 1542. Whether these sightings are real or imagined, they’ve kept the abbey’s history alive. Are these ghosts a reminder of a forgotten past, or simply a product of overactive imaginations?
Explore more of Hull and East Yorkshire’s hidden gems on BBC Sounds here, or catch the latest Look North episode here. Got a story you think we should cover? Let us know!
Download the BBC News app for iPhone/iPad here or Android here to stay updated on the latest discoveries.
What do you think? Are these tales mere folklore, or do they hold historical weight? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
